[Madison, Wis.] – Today, the Republican Party of Wisconsin filed a formal Complaint with the United States Senate Select Committee on Ethics alleging that Senator Tammy Baldwin wrongly appropriated taxpayer funds to compensate a Senate employee who is not performing official government duties, in violation of 31 U.S.C.1301(a).

Baldwin’s office was alerted to unusual prescription practices at the Tomah VA Medical Center in March 2014. Months later, on August 29, 2014, Baldwin was the only member of Congress to receive an inspection report from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, which outlined gross misconduct by members of the Tomah VA Medical Center staff. A former employee of the Center made repeated cries for help to Baldwin – but her staff demanded his silence.

Former Baldwin staffer Marquette Baylor took the blame for Baldwin’s inaction and poor leadership. Baylor was terminated abruptly, and offered a near six-figure payout. In exchange, Baylor was expected to remain silent and sign a non-disclosure agreement on the disturbing events that transpired, including Baldwin’s involvement. Baylor was not expected to perform any official duties while being compensated, which is an illegal appropriation of taxpayer funds.

“Senator Baldwin failed to take action despite multiple calls for help – and now she is orchestrating a massive cover-up, attempting to silence a former staffer and offering a big payout using hard-working taxpayer dollars,” said Joe Fadness, Executive Director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. “We’re calling for an investigation to determine Baldwin’s role in this scandal that has already revealed an elaborate cover-up and illegal hush money.”